Evaluation of Tongue Impression as a Forensic Tool for Personal Identification: An Observational Study
Marin Abraham*, Vanishri C Haragannavar, Sowmya SV, Dominic Augustine and Roopa S Rao
January 29, 2026
DOI : 10.56831/PSSRP-07-240
Abstract
Background: Unique characteristics like fingerprints, facial and iris scans contribute to forensic science by identifying an individuals’ authenticity. Tongue is a fleshy muscular organ that is well protected in the oral cavity, unaffected by the external factors and difficult to be simulated. This study was an attempt to use tongue as a tool to identify a person as limited studies have been accomplished in investigating tongue’s morphologic features.
Aim: To identify an individual by tongue impression.
Objectives: To clinically analyse the tongue morphology and to correlate it with that of tongue impression.
Material and methods: 30 subjects (15 males and 15 females) between the age group of 18-65 years were considered in the study. Two examiners observed the morphological features clinically and also by comparing the corresponding tongue cast.
Results: Anterior fissure pattern was observed in elder subjects while median fibrous septum was observed in younger subjects. Hammered (H) shape of the tongue was the dominant tongue pattern among male subjects; oval (O) and ellipsoid (E) were characteristic shapes noted in female subjects.
Conclusion: A detailed impression of the anterior two thirds of the tongue can aid as a promising tool to identify a person and can also serve as a permanent record through the cast.
Keywords: anterior fissure pattern; forensic science; face; human; iris; mouth; median fibrous septum; tongue
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